R&A make 'world-first' announcement ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush

A world-first for golf will take place at next week's Open Championship. 

The R&A have announced millions of viewers will be brought closer to the action at Royal Portrush thanks to Spidercam. 

Spidercam is a four-point wire-cam system that will 'provide immersive experiences of play unlike any seen ever before in a live TV production for golf'. 

It will be suspended above the 18th green and offer 'spectacular aerial views and unique angles'. 

Spidercam has been used widely in TV coverage of other major sports, including football, rugby and cricket. 

Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at The R&A, said: "The Open stands among the world’s greatest sporting occasions, an event that calls for the highest standards in live television production to ensure that millions of viewers worldwide can witness every moment, every detail of play and every chapter in the unfolding story of this historic Championship.
 
"We have worked closely with European Tour Productions and their production partners IMG to invest in cutting-edge broadcast technology and believe that Spidercam will bring millions of fans a new perspective of the action from Royal Portrush with incredible detail and accessibility wherever they are in the world."

Richard Bunn, chief content and revenue officer at the European Tour Group, added: "European Tour Productions has a long track record of producing coverage for many of golf’s biggest tournaments. 

"Alongside our production partners IMG, we have a shared vision with The R&A to use the latest technologies to create a truly immersive experience for the millions of fans watching the global broadcast. 

"With new innovations such as Spidercam being rolled out this year, The 153rd Open will get fans closer to the action than ever before."

The Open will offer 48 hours of main coverage across four rounds. 

Other live content includes four dedicated featured groups per day and a par-3 channel that will capture action from 'Calamity Corner' from the 16th hole. 

Live at the Range will also air during practice days and the first two rounds. 

GolfMagic will be providing live text updates of The Open, as well as news, opinion and analysis. 

The 153rd Open begins next Thursday.